Estimating the Optimum Weight for Latticed Power-Transmission Towers Using Different (AI) Techniques

Abstract

The recent expansion of power-distribution networks has motivated many researchers to study how to minimize the costs of such projects. Although transmission towers present one of the main items in the network that greatly affect the project budget, there are no clear criteria or recommendations to select the optimum bracing system that minimizes the tower weight. This research presents recommendations to select the optimum configurations for latticed power-transmission towers, segment by segment, for certain loads, as well as the aspect ratio. The research started by generating a database with different segment configurations and their weights, and then three of the most famous AI techniques (GP, ANN and EPR) were used to generate models to calculate the weights of the segments. Studying these models led to the conclusion that K-shape bracing is better that X-shape bracing for segments with aspect ratios (H/B) less than 1.0. The generated models and conclusions were verified by using existing tower designs.